Bonnie J. Johnson entered this world on January 9, 1948 in Hamilton, Ohio, the second daughter of Arthur and Lulu Bell (Boykin) James. Bonnie always had the knack of making you smile or laugh. When she approached people you knew you were in the presence of a kind and sincere person who really appreciated seeing you and relished the opportunity to give you a genuine hug. She didn’t know a stranger and was always there when help was needed; night or day. Bonnie truly believed in the childhood verse we learned early on in Sunday school to;
“Do unto Others as you would Have Them Do Unto You”
Bonnie loved her family, big and small. Her family consisted of those she was born with and others she grew to love and referred to as my brothers and sisters in Christ. She enjoyed going to family gatherings and hearing all the updates of weddings, births and home-goings. If she was in Hamilton she wanted this information so she could stop by their house or hospital room to say Hello; just to check and make sure they were okay. If time was of the essence and she had to leave you knew she would send that person or their family a card. Bonnie loved providing that extra touch to let you know you were loved and appreciated.
Bonnie’s love for her ‘big’ family knew no boundaries. If she knew you were sick she made her way to your bedside to offer a prayer and assistance. If she heard you were hungry she shared whatever she had. When she heard about the loss of someone’s loved one she was there to provide comfort.
Sometimes when she felt low in Spirit she would quote or sing a verse or two from a song she learned as a Child;
“I sing because I’m Happy, I sing because I’m free … for his eyes are on the Sparrow and I Know He watches Me…”
Bonnie physically left us too soon, early in the morning on Friday, June 16th. She is survived by her son Jarrett LaDale Johnson, her mother Lulu B. James of Hamilton, Ohio and her sisters Shelah P. (Cecil) Radford and Edith C. James, of Columbus, Ohio. She also leaves her niece, Cecily J. Radford of Bowling Green, Kentucky, her nephews Darnell D. (Rena) Radford, great nephew Marquis D. Radford and great, great nephew Dai’Zhon Radford.
Bonnie is also survived by her Aunt Irma (Arthur) Gilbert, Rosalie (Walter) Barron and close friend Ruby L.B. Johnson. She didn't hesitate to tell her family she loved them and that included all of her many cousins and lifelong friends. We would be remiss if we didn't repeat what Bonnie used to say when she saw her prankster cousins Hilda L.(Boykin) Cooks and Marva J. (Fitzpatrick) Meade coming through the door for family visits,
"Oh Lord, here they come!"
My prayer is she'll say the same thing the next time she sees us and we all meet again on the other side, see you Boon!
Love, E...
Special recognition, thanks and appreciation is given to her sisters and friends in Christ, Mrs. Gwen Gary and Mrs. Janice Slaten. They have been with Bonnie 24/7 during her times of need and her final hours of convalescence.
We know Bonnie is still with us in Spirit. We know this because she told us so…Rest in Peace Sister Bonnie.